Providing a focal point to the eastern end of the Main Walk, our iconic fountain was designed by David Mellor (1930-2009). It was completed in 1970 and is one of few twentieth-century insertions into the original 1846 landscape.
The Fountain consists of seven large discs like giant water lily leaves, cast in bronze, and arranged on several levels. The bubbling columns of water echo the vertical forms of neighbouring Giant Redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and incense cedars (Calocedrus decurrens). Aquatic plants, including Acorus calamus (sweet flag).
Surrounding planters provide seasonal interest, while borders comprising Stipa gigantea (giant oat), Phlomis russelliana and Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ create an ephemeral effect. encircling the area seasonally with strong and striking combinations, such as Allium and lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) or, in autumn, large specimens of the appropriately-named fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides). The fountain acts as a central focus to the Garden and is a natural gathering point from which to admire the surrounding landscape.
